What about Fasting? A Nutritionists Perspective

I get a lot of questions on fasting and I do agree that when done safely it can be beneficial for our body. The concern I have over what I am seeing in this recent fasting trend is the fact that you can hide disordered eating under the label of “fasting”.

Here is my take and a great article below that really does a great job of expressing my concerns as a Nutritionist on the risks of misuse around fasting and its concerning connection to eating disorders.

1. I do believe our body benefits from abstaining from eating close to bedtime (some diabetics will be an exception to this rule). It is not unusual for me to advise clients fast from 6pm to 7am to allow their digestive tract to have a break. Our body can in fact heal and repair better (happens while we sleep) if it is not busy digesting food.
2. Fasting is an appropriate therapy when there are certain digestive concerns in place, such as a serious case of constipation or a significant flare up in an inflammatory bowel condition. In these situations, guided fasting can be recommended. However, it is important to note: homemade broths, live juices and purified water are included to continue to contribute to nutrient intake to support healing, and blood sugar regulation.
3. When abstaining from foods for long periods of time, this can limit daily nutrient intake. Abstain from eating most of the day, for days on end and you could end up with some real deficiencies. Many of the nutrients our body requires to function optimally need to be obtained from the diet on a daily basis. I am seeing a connection to nutrient deficiencies and fasting in the same way I see this in chronic restrictive dieters.
4. Following strict “Food Rules”, does not fall under the umbrella of healthy eating. If you experience guilt around when, and what you eat, this is considered to be unhealthy eating behaviour. Learning to listen to your body and nourish it well allows you to celebrate take care of your body. Following strict food rules can fall under the category of disordered eating.
5. Restrictive dieting can be disguised as “fasting”. If a client has strong food rules around when they eat and how much they are “allowed” to eat, this is no different than a restrictive diet which can put a person at risk for poor energy metabolism (reduced fuel = reduced energy outputs), and rebounds. Many of us are well aware restrictive programs do not offer long term results and in many cases can be detrimental to our overall wellness. They can also easily fall under the umbrella of disordered eating.

You may be wondering what I do recommend when it comes to fasting and weight management. This is something I teach a lot about. Without taking up too much more of your time, my biggest advice is focus on nourishing your body first. Look for foods that stabilize your blood sugar. Foods that offer a large variety of naturally occurring nutrients, as these promote cellular health and support detoxification. Move your body. Love your body. If you need a break from food for a health-related reason, find a qualified practitioner to guide you with nourishing broths and live juices.

Here is a great article that you may find useful: https://www.eatingdisorderhope.com/blog/is-intermittent-fasting-actually-a-symptom-of-an-eating-disorder